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United States Virgin Islands Country Summary

Sanctions

No

FATF AML Deficient List

No

Terrorism
Corruption
US State ML Assessment
Criminal Markets (GI Index)
EU Tax Blacklist
Offshore Finance Center

Please note that although the below Summary will give a general outline of the AML risks associated with the jurisdiction, if you are a Regulated entity then you may need to demonstrate that your Jurisdictional AML risk assessment has included a full assessment of the risk elements that have been identified as underpinning overall Country AML risk. To satisfy these requirements, we would recommend that you use our Subscription area.

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Anti Money Laundering

The United States Virgin Islands is a territory of the United States. Information for the United States may be included below:

FATF status

US Virgin Islands is not on the FATF List of Countries that have been identified as having strategic AML deficiencies

Compliance with FATF Recommendations

The US Virgin Islands falls within the jurisdiction of the USA with regard to the Mutual Evaluation Report.

The latest follow-up Mutual Evaluation Report relating to the implementation of anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing standards in the USA was undertaken by in 2024. According to that Evaluation, the USA was deemed Compliant for 9 and Largely Compliant for 23 of the FATF 40 Recommendations. It remains Highly Effective for 4 and Substantially Effective for 4 with regard to the 11 areas of Effectiveness of its AML/CFT Regime.

Sanctions

There are no international sanctions currently in force against this country

Bribery & Corruption

Rating 0 (bad) - 100 (good)
Transparency International Corruption Index 69
World Bank: Control of Corruption Percentile Rank 83

The United States Virgin Islands, as a U.S. territory, reflects the broader business environment of the United States, where corruption is not seen as a significant risk for foreign investors. While the U.S. market is competitive and offers numerous opportunities, businesses must navigate a complex regulatory landscape due to various levels of government oversight and stringent anti-corruption laws. Companies should be aware of the active enforcement of these laws, including the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, which allows for limited exceptions regarding facilitation payments and gifts, although such practices can still lead to legal complications.

Economy

The economy of the United States Virgin Islands is predominantly driven by tourism, which constitutes about 60% of the GDP and attracts around 2.5 to 3 million visitors each year. The territory has encountered economic difficulties, particularly after the closure of the HOVENSA oil refinery in 2012, leading to high public debt and a structural budget deficit that raise concerns about financial stability.

The investment climate in the United States Virgin Islands benefits from its status as a U.S. territory, offering protections and incentives for investors. However, challenges such as high energy costs, a limited labor market, and the need for infrastructure improvements may deter potential investments. On the positive side, the territory operates as a free port with tax benefits and lacks federal income taxes on local income, enhancing its attractiveness to international businesses.

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  • Corruption
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  • Executive Summaries
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  • Key Findings
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